Session 1 Behaviorism and Applied Behavior Analysis

Behaviorism

Theory that human and animal behavior is explained through conditioning without appeal to thoughts or feelings.

Classical Conditioning (Pavlov)

Involuntary behaviors are conditioned by specific stimuli (antecedents) despite prior learning.

Operant Conditioning (Skinner)

Voluntary behaviors are learned and shaped as a result of environmental consequences.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

An evidence-based method of examining and changing what people say and do.

ABA Characteristic: Applied

The outcome has practical significance and promotes prosocial results.

ABA Characteristic: Behavioral

Observable behavior lends itself to precise measurement and reliability.

ABA Characteristic: Analytical

Demonstrated control of variables so that a functional relationship is established.

ABA Characteristic: Technological

Procedures are precisely described so that replication is possible.

ABA Characteristic: Conceptually Systematic

All principles are derived from basic principles of behavior.

ABA Characteristic: Effective

Change is socially significant, reducing maladaptive behavior or increasing adaptive behavior.

ABA Characteristic: Generality

Behavior change results over time, appears in different settings, and spreads to other behaviors.

Operationally Defining Behavior

Defining behavior as what an organism does in a way that can be timed or counted.

Behavior Basics

All behavior serves a function, is predictable, and is learned/teachable.

Three-Term Contingency (ABCs)

Setting events, Antecedents, Problem Behavior, and Consequences.

Setting Event

An infrequent event (contextual variable) that affects the value of an outcome.

Antecedent/trigger

immediate precerding event(s) that are a trigger

Problem behavior

observable behaviors of concern

Consequence/outcome

-Following events that maintain behaviors of concern

-Can be positive AND negative

- Can be Reinforcement (+) and punishment (-)

contextual variables

setting event, antecedent, consequences

Discriminative Stimulus (SD)

Antecedent that occasions a target behavior due to a history of reinforcement.

Stimulus Delta (S^)

Stimulus with no association to consequences, not likely to impact a specific behavior.

Setting events are also known as

motivating operations

Discriminative Stimulus for Punishment (SD-)

Antecedent associated with a history of punishment for the target behavior.

Positive Reinforcement (SR+)

Adding a stimulus contingent on a behavior that increases its future probability.

Negative Reinforcement (SR-)

Subtracting a stimulus contingent on a behavior that increases its future probability.

Positive Punishment (SP+)

Adding a stimulus contingent on a behavior that decreases its future probability.

Negative Punishment (SP-)

Subtracting a stimulus contingent on a behavior that decreases its future probability.

Extinction

Withholding reinforcement from a previously reinforced behavior to decrease that behavior.

Extinction Burst

A temporary increase in behavior when reinforcement is first withheld.

Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) in NYS

Tier 3 data-driven plans based on FBAs, mandated under NYS regulations and IDEA.